First Tracks

Since its release in December 2004 this self-published book has achieved the remarkable milestone of having been reprinted three times and has sold over 8,000 copies. When one considers that statistics show that only 5 percent of the books listed on Amazon will sell 5,000 copies, you can appreciate the mountain that First Tracks had to ascend (and ski right back down) to surpass that mark.

With little or no media hype and a shoestring budget, the success of First Tracks can largely be attributed to its realism and the quality of this beautiful picture book. Written and illustrated by skiers for little skiers, First Tracks can be read to a child before he/she has ever tried skiing in preparation for that first time, or sent home as a memory of the good times on the slopes. Its family-centered theme is a fun, humorous read meant to reflect just how much fun the sport of skiing is.

Ski instructor and illustrator, Jeff Teaford, uses colorful illustrations to capture the innocence on the face of the central character as she contemplates her first time on skis and masterfully conveys her concentration as she snow plows (makes pizza) for the first time. Plus, her older brother learns to snowboard! Finally, the entire family shares the day together on the slopes. This is a family skiing story the way it should be when families actually go skiing. It truly is an adventure to be shared and shared again.

For little skiers aged 2-7

First Tracks is now out of print, but still available on Kindle. Download a copy today!